Mass protests are dominating the headlines in Bangladesh. It all started with the sentencing of a war criminal to life in prison - many say Abdul Quadar Molla should get the death penalty. But there seems to be much more to these rallies than a search for justice. Women are showing up in droves and the rallies are being organised by the youth via social media like never before. Is this Bangladesh’s Tahrir Square?

Bangladesh's Rising Voices

Rallies over the sentencing of a war criminal turn into much more.

For two weeks, Bangladesh has seen a wave of protests. Hundreds of thousands of people - musicians, activists, and even the national cricket team - have taken part. The main rallies have been nicknamed 'Shahbag' after the area in the capital Dhaka where people are gathering.

Abdul Qader MollaAJstream

The protests are in reaction to the sentencing of Abdul Qader Molla, a leader of the Islamist Jamaat-e Islami opposition party, who was handed a life sentence for crimes connected to the 1971 war for independence from Pakistan. They think Molla should have gotten the death penalty.

The protests were initially organised by the Bloggers and Online Activists Network, whose Facebook page is pictured below.

On Friday, February 15, protesters were further angered by the death of Rajib Haider, a Bangladeshi blogger who helped organise the Shahbag protests. Following Haider's death, protesters decided to continue holding 24-hour demonstrations. Below is an image of Haider's coffin being carried through the crowds.

News for blogger's death shahbag.orgAJstream

By killing Blogger Rajib you have given birth 100 new bloggers. #shahbag movement will go on till justice is served to all our martyrs. RIP.Shahbag Movement

If the bloggers deny protection it will be VERY BRAVE, so AL can stick their nose 'less' into the movement. #Shahbag This is our movement.Priom